Thermophysical and radiative properties of pressureless sintered SiC and ZrB2-SiC laminates

The evaluation of thermal and radiative properties of materials to be used as a hot part of thermal protection systems is a key issue for the design process of the HTC and UHTC components. Ceramic laminates with composition 100 vol%SiC and 80 vol%ZrB2-20 vol%SiC were prepared by the tape casting technique and pressureless sintered. Thermal properties such as the thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat, thermal diffusivity and conductivity were measured; in addition the total emissivity was evaluated. A comparison of the thermal behavior of these two kinds of laminates is made. Moreover their possible integration in a unique structure is discussed.